Impact of Biochar Addition and Air-Flow Rate on Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide Concentration in the Emitted Gases from Aerobic Biostabilization of Waste

Abstract

Application of additives to waste may influence the course of the biostabilization process and contribute to its higher effectiveness, as well as to a reduction in greenhouse gas and ammonia (NH3) emission from this process. This paper presents research on the impact of biochar addition on the course of the biostabilization process of an undersized fraction from municipal solid waste (UFMSW) in terms of temperature changes, CO2 concentration in the exhaust gases, NH3 emission from the process, as well as changes in the carbon and nitrogen content in the processed waste. Six different biochar additives and three different air-flow rates were investigated for 21 days. It was found that biochar addition contributes to extending the thermophilic phase duration (observed in the case of the addition of 3% and 5% of biochar). The concentration of CO2 in exhaust gases was closely related to the course of temperature changes. The highest concentration of CO2 in the process gases (approx. 18–19%) was recorded for the addition of 10% and 20% of biochar at the lowest air-flow rate applied. It was found that the addition of 3% or a higher amount of biochar reduces nitrogen losses in the processed UFMSW and reduces NH3 emission by over 90% compared to the control.